Brazil calls for ‘forceful’ punishment for fan racism

Rio de Janeirol, Feb 14 (IANS) The Brazilian government has called for "forceful measures" against Peruvian club Real Garcilaso after Cruzeiro midfielder Tinga was racially abused by fans during a Copa Libertadores match.

The former Brazil international was the target of repeated monkey chants after being introduced in the 66th minute of Cruzeiro's 2-1 defeat in Peru's Andean city of Huancayo Wednesday, reports Xinhua.

According to a Brazilian government communique, Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo Thursday called Eugenio Figueredo Aguerre, the president of South American football's governing body Conmebol, to express his dismay.

"In a year when the entire world will unite to spread a message against prejudice during the World Cup in Brazil, what we saw in Huancayo is inconceivable," Rebelo said.

"Tinga has our full support in the fight against racism and we hope that Conmebol will act firmly to combat this."

Earlier, Tinga said he was shocked by the behaviour of local fans.

"I played in Germany for four years and never experienced this," the 36-year-old told Radio Globo. "And it has happened in such a mixed country. We have to keep striving for equality and respect for races and classes."

Brazil President Dilma Rousseff also condemned the actions of fans, saying: "All of Brazil is supporting Tinga."

"Sport must never be a stage for prejudice," she said on Twitter.

Real Garcilaso manager Fredy Garcia offered an unreserved apology for the abuse.

"It's very sad. We say sorry to Cruzeiro and the player," he said. "We are going to fully investigate everything because we are a great club and cannot be linked to episodes like this."

The Peruvian side's captain Joel Herrera also took to Twitter to denounce the fans behaviour.

"I am sorry and repudiate the racist acts. No to racism, no more," the defender said.

In addition to his time in the Bundesliga, Tinga has also had spells at Portugal's Sporting Lisbon and Japan's Kawasaki Frontale.

He earned four caps for Brazil from 2001 to 2006. 

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